The Angels are on the verge of adding to their bullpen, and are reportedly close to a multi-year contract with left-handed pitcher Hisanori Takahashi, according to the New York Times. The Times reported the deal is done pending a physical. The left-hander will be 36 years old on April 2.
Takahashi came to the United States last season after pitching for the Yomiuri Giants of the Japanese Central League. Takahashi was 10-6 with a 3.61 ERA in 53 games, including 12 starts, with the New York Mets last season. He was far more effective as a reliever (6-2 with a 2.04 ERA and over a strikeout per inning) than as a starter (4-4 with a 5.01 ERA in 12 starts). Takahashi also converted all eight save opportunities filling in for closer and ex-Angels pitcher Francisco Rodriguez.
Takahashi was released by the Mets after not coming to a agreement on a new deal by a contractual deadline of November 5. The Times reported last month that Takahashi was seeking a deal that paid him between $4 and $6 million per year. He made $1 million last season with New York.
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